The Wrexham-born striker, who hails from Penyffordd, played 70 minutes of the Red Devils’ 3-1 victory over Hull City at Old Trafford on Tuesday night before being replaced by interim manager Ryan Giggs.

Cledwyn Ashford, a stalwart of Flintshire Schoolboys and former headteacher at Bryn Coch primary school in Mold, hailed the 20-year-old’s call up to the first team as a “fantastic achievement”.

He described Tom as a “confident” player and knew he wouldn’t be fazed by playing for the Premier League giants in front of 75,000 fans.

The former Castell Alun High School student, who had just returned to United after a loan spell with Yeovil Town, said he “loved every minute” of his Old Trafford bow.

He tweeted after the match: “Wow what a feeling that was tonight and loved every minute of it! Coming off to be replaced by a legend like Giggs #whatafeeling”.

Tom has been on Manchester United’s books since he was eight and was part of their FA Youth Cup winning squad in 2011.

He has represented Wales at U21s, U19s and U17s level and played for Flintshire in 2003-04, a year young, and in 2004-05, in his own year, helping the county to back-to-back Tom Yeoman Shield North league titles.

Cledwyn, who has also coached Gary Speed and Michael Owen, said: “Not many players play two years running for Flintshire but he was one of those who did.

“He was a very quiet lad but he always had confidence on the ball. Tom had great skills, he loved to take people on and had pace to burn.

“You could tell he was going to go far and be a special player. He had the ability to make a difference.

“I’m so pleased for him, it’s a fantastic achievement for the lad. What a great honour for him to have one of the greatest players to play for Manchester United and Wales, who is also the manager, to have that faith in him.

“I thought he played extremely well and I knew he wouldn’t be fazed by it at all. I don’t think he’s far from a first team call-up for Wales either.”

Castell Alun High School assistant headteacher Paul Edwards added: “We’re thrilled when any of our students aspire to such a great level of success and are honoured to have played a role in helping Tom and his family achieve their dreams.

“As a footballer, he always shone out when playing for our school and area teams. We wish him well for the future.”

Lawrence was Flintshire’s joint player of the year along with George Baxter in 2005, so following in the footsteps of Ryan Shawcross (1999), Michael Owen (1991), Gareth Owen (1983) and Gary Speed (1981).